Crude oil extracted from the ground is primarily a carbon-based material. We create both gasoline and plastic from oil. Oil is also the raw material in making plastic. For example, polycarbonate used in building materials is produced by the reaction of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene COCl2, both of which are petroleum-based chemicals.

The chemistry of making plastics is complex and should be manufactured in ways that are safe to the environment and to life. For example, phosgene is produced by reacting chlorine from the electrolysis of sodium chloride with carbon monoxide produced by the pyrolysis of coal, oil or gas. Plastics, such as polycarbonates, are better utilized as building materials, rather than as hydrocarbons burned for fuel into the environment.

Within the building industry, polymers, such as polycarbonate, are already common in light fixtures as lens but have also been used as housings, heatsinks and reflectors. Laminated polycarbonate sheet provides an added level of protection for building planners seeking to safeguard structures from blast, ballistics, forced entry and weather events.

Oil-based polymer materials help industrial designers create shapes that would not be possible with traditional materials. Plastics can be used in a broad portfolio of applications, including, construction materials, medical equipment, automotive components, and electronics.

Mining for metal is linked to water contamination, deforestation and environmental degradation, as well as conflict and violence due to land grabbing, the fracturing of the social fabric of communities.

There is a growing movement and advocacy for the introduction of ecocide law at both a domestic and international level. The common definition of ecocide is the destruction of large areas of the natural environment as a consequence of human activity. Under ecocide law, irresponsible and harmful mining projects and practices could become punishable crimes and this would impact upon the extractive industries.

Plastics strengths have been improving for over 50 years and are now replacing metal parts. The longer fibers in polymers increase the strength of plastics, making it competitive with metal. Some composite polymers are even stronger than some grades of metals. Plastic can handle high stress while making it possible to easily manufacture parts.

With stronger plastics and ease of processing, plastics can save energy compared to making parts from metals. Whether it’s a mold or a part, a big advantage in using a composite is controlling fiber orientation. This is an advantage over isotropic metals. Controlling fiber orientation in composites optimizes the weight-to-strength ratio.

Plastic materials help designers to create shapes that would not be possible with metal. Also, polymers can be used in 3-D printing, creating assemblies as a single part without a mold, reducing the total footprint of the manufacturing process.

Thermoplastics are economically recyclable into many secondary, post-industry applications.  Within the electronics industry, 30% reclaimed polycarbonate is ground and cut with virgin material for desktop computers, printers and electronic chargers, switches, and housings for domestic appliances. Building materials already use recycled polycarbonate for noncritical applications, such as park benches and pallet for wood decks.